President Bola Tinubu has issued a firm directive to Nigeria’s newly decorated service chiefs, urging them to intensify the fight against insecurity and crush emerging armed groups nationwide.
Speaking during a brief decoration ceremony at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday, Tinubu warned that Nigerians were no longer interested in excuses but in tangible results.
“The emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West and parts of the South is of grave concern.
We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head,” the President said.
The President’s remarks signaled the beginning of a renewed national security push, coming at a time when public confidence in the Armed Forces is under close scrutiny.
Tinubu emphasised that the elevation of the service chiefs represented more than a change in rank it marked a new phase in Nigeria’s campaign to restore peace and protect its citizens.
Moreover, he highlighted that no meaningful development could thrive in an atmosphere of fear and violence.
“Security remains our most sacred duty as a government,” Tinubu added.
The newly promoted officers include Gen. Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt-Gen. Wahidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke as Chief of Air Staff (CAS), and Maj-Gen. Emmanuel Undiendeye, who was promoted to Lieutenant General and now serves as Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI).
Responding to the President’s directive, the new CDS, Gen. Oluyede, reaffirmed the loyalty of the Armed Forces to the Commander-in-Chief and vowed to end the wave of terrorism and violent crimes threatening the country.
“The Armed Forces remain resolute in securing the lives and property of Nigerians. We will rebuild trust, strengthen unity, and restore peace,” Oluyede pledged.
Meanwhile, the service chiefs collectively promised to enhance synergy across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, stressing discipline and professionalism as key to success.
In a related development, former Senate Leader Ali Ndume urged the government to prioritise the welfare and funding of the Armed Forces to sustain morale and improve operational efficiency.
“I have identified four key pillars that would make our military formidable at all times and keep security threats in check. I call them TEAM: Training, Equipment, Ammunition and Motivation,” Ndume said.
He also appealed to the Federal Government to place the military’s annual budget on First Line Charge to ensure timely, non-discretionary funding.
Furthermore, Ndume criticised the poor remuneration of Nigerian soldiers compared with their counterparts in other African nations, stating that the disparity discourages commitment.
“In Ghana, a private soldier earns about N180,000 monthly; in South Africa, around N250,000; but in Nigeria, our troops earn far less despite higher risks,” he lamented.
Meanwhile, The Guardian Corps (TG Corps), a private security firm founded by former U.S. Army Officer Michael Heavens, congratulated the new service chiefs and pledged support for national security efforts.
“Their leadership, discipline, and commitment will strengthen national stability and promote cooperation against emerging threats,” Heavens said in a statement.
